Sinusitis

Overview

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses on the forehead and cheek. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow and cause an infection. Patients with sinusitis often present with headaches, excessive nasal discharge and poor nasal ventilation. Sinusitis is often complicated with rhinitis, I.e. inflammation of the lining of the nose. Sinusitis can be classified as acute and chronic according to the course of the disease.

 

Treatment options

Acute sinusitis usually improves or resolves over a few weeks with the help of antibiotics. Chronic sinusitis can last for months or years. Treatments for chronic sinusitis include nasal steroid spray, sinus wash, long-term antibiotics and surgery. Spray, wash and antibiotics do not improve sinus drainage, and they are used to contain the infection. Surgery can effectively open sinus drainage, however, it involves surgical risks and recurrence (35-70%)% [1].

 

Acupuncture

Our acupuncture treatment specifically aims at the inflammation of the mucosa of sinuses. By direct stimulation of the sphenopalatine nerve ganglion (SGP) on the face, the inflammation of sinuses settled down quickly, and most importantly, the drainage of sinuses improves significantly. Clinical research showed over 30% improvement in ventilation.

 

Treatment objects and protocol

The goal is to achieve provide long term remission of sinusitis and to avoid surgery. The initial treatment cycle is 6 sessions, which is delivered over 3-4 weeks. Most patients have significant relief after the first treatment, especially sinus headache.

 

Fee

1st and 2nd treatments: $ 250

3rd to 4th treatments: $200

 

Medicare rebate: $107.25 

Total out-of-pock cost (6 sessions): $ 656.5

 

*Patients are encouraged to contact Medicare for Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN). 80% rebate of the out-of-pocket fee may be claimed when the threshold is reached. The out-of-pocket cost may be as low as $132. 

http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-EMSN1Jan2020

Reference

[1] Calus, L., Van Bruaene, N., Bosteels, C. et al. Twelve-year follow-up study after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. Clin Transl Allergy 9, 30 (2019) doi:10.1186/s13601-019-0269-4

[2] Wang, K., Chen, L., Wang, Y. et al. Sphenopalatine Ganglion Acupuncture Improves Nasal Ventilation and Modulates Autonomic Nervous Activity in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Study. Sci Rep 6, 29947 (2016) doi:10.1038/srep29947